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editor's note

Tanya Chaitanya (Editor Femina India)

For every doubting Thomas who tells you women can’t scale mountains, wrestle in the ring, endure physical hardship, your comeback should be a simple hashtag:#StandStrong.
There’s no bigger retaliation than success, they say. So show your calibre to these detractors or anybody who believes that we, as women, lack the potential to be physically as fit as men by being just that. Not to say that it will be an easy process.
The conditioning that we are not at par physically starts early. From the time we are offered a hand to bring down the cookie jar to when we are told not to lift too heavy a weight; when the sports selectors in schools bypass promising girl children or when the male friends refuse to count us in in any serious hiking plans—that feeling of being physically less is ingrained right from the beginning.
So how is it that we witness sportswomen like Mary Kom packing a punch in the arena or a badminton champ like PV Sindhu physically pushing herself to the limits? Or the fact that celebs like Jacqueline Fernandez, Taapsee Pannu, Katrina Kaif swear by their fitness routine and are known to train for longer hours than their male counterparts?
Then again look beyond these superwomen. Look around you. There are regular women storming into male bastions, physically-challenging professions and pursuits, and coming out triumphant. This new-found confidence comes with taking care of yourself, being cognizant of the fact that our body needs to be given TLC, from the right diet and nutrition to exercise and care to help us stand strong.
This is when I raise a toast: Here’s to strong women. May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them!

The most gorgeous island getaways in India

DiuJust off the coast of Gujarat lays a beautiful haven lost in time. Surrounded by pristine beaches and seeped in history, Diu was once a strategic port used for trading. What’s left behind today is rich culture, with an Indo-Portuguese undertone. Popularly known as ‘Ilha de Calma’ which translates to ‘Island of Calm’, Diu is definitely helps you leave your worries behind.

2/5

Munroe IslandNestled peacefully in the backwaters of Kerala is the personification of tranquility, in the form of an island. Munroe Island is home to a large number of canals and waterways, allowing you to explore the island leisurely. Apart from this, Munroe Island also sees the Kallada Jalotsavam, an extremely popular snake boat race, which takes place 28 days after Onam.

3/5

Viper IslandThe former capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Viper Island was the site of a British jail and the Cellular Jail, used to imprison convicts and political prisoners. The crumbling structures not only add a sense of mystery, but also hold historic significance. But if history isn’t your thing, then Viper Island’s gorgeous beaches are worth a visit.

4/5

Havelock IslandWith its sandy white beaches and blue-hued waters, Havelock Island is a favourite among honey-mooners and adventure enthusiasts alike. With coral reefs and lush flora and fauna to be explored, you can pick between scuba diving or trekking, or both.

5/5

Ross Island What was once the British Administrative Headquarters is now a treasure trove of ruins. Located 2 kms away from Port Blair, Ross Island houses the ruins of the state Ballroom, the Chief Commissioner’s House, Church and other monuments from the British rule. The island often gives onlookers the impression that it’s abandoned, even though it is a thriving tourist spot.